Ulster trio sign contract extensions until 2029

Robert Baloucoune, James McNabney and Joe Hopes have signed contract extensions with Ulster.

Ireland wing Baloucoune has penned fresh terms after a memorable 2026 in which the 29-year-old's eye-catching Six Nations displays earned him the championship's Rising Player award.

Back rower McNabney's new deal comes a week after he was called up to the Ireland squad, with the 23-year-old having made his Ulster return last month following a year out with a serious knee injury.

Versatile forward Hopes, who can play at lock or in the back row, has also committed his future after breaking into the senior team last season.

The 2022 Ulster Schools' player of the year made his debut aged 19 in 2023 and featured off the bench in the Challenge Cup win over Zebre earlier this month.

Ulster said all three have signed new deals until "at least" the summer of 2029.

"We are delighted to have secured the futures of Rob, James and Joe," added general manager Rory Best.

"Rob has showcased his importance to this Ulster team and the national team with his abilities and performances. He is a Test-level winger who has really benefited from a run of games over the past year.

"Both James and Joe are working hard in the early stages of their professional careers and have both shown a lot of potential in our forward pack."

Best added: "Everyone here was delighted to see James called up to the Ireland squad after the adversity he faced coming back from a long-term knee injury.

"We have full belief that all three will form an important part of our Ulster team in the coming years and look forward to seeing what they produce on the field."